Explosions were reported on Saturday in Abu Dhabi and Doha, following joint military strikes by the United States and Israel targeting locations inside Iran. The blasts mark a sharp escalation of tensions in the Gulf region.
Residents in Abu Dhabi described hearing loud explosions and feeling shockwaves across multiple neighbourhoods. In Doha, local missile defence systems intercepted at least one Iranian-launched missile, highlighting the growing regional threat. Other Gulf countries, including Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Bahrain, also reported heightened air defence activity in response to incoming projectiles.
Several nations temporarily closed their airspace as a precaution. The UAE and Qatar restricted flights near military installations, while Bahrain reported a missile attack targeting a naval facility. These measures reflect mounting concerns over civilian safety amid escalating hostilities.
The strikes come after the US and Israel announced major combat operations against Iran, prompting Tehran to condemn the attacks and launch retaliatory measures. The situation has raised fears of broader conflict in the Middle East, with residents remaining on high alert and governments reinforcing defensive capabilities.